Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

I do not normally post of here unless I am doing updates for my dad but in this matter I cannot hold my tongue. I have a 17-month-old daughter and I wanted to take her with me tonight to Bloomington. Since she rarely goes race I wanted to take her in the pits and be able to see some of my friends. I called today and spoke with Judy to verify that she is able to go into the pits. I was told she can go but I would have to sign a minor waiver. That is fine and typical but what I heard next really upset me. Along with the waiver I would have to pay $30 for her along with myself. I understand you need to make money but if we stayed on the hill she would be free. She is 17 months old and will be in a stroller all night long. I have taken Madeline to other races and all they require is the signed waiver. Even USAC only requires me to sign the waiver. But $30 for a child under the age of 2. It could just be me but this is ridiculous and I will never attend another Bloomington event.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Well if you don't normally have to pay for her then you are by far luckier than we have ever been. Cale has been going to the races since he was 1 month old, 36 race tracks, 14 states and 2 countries in his 29 months of life, I can count on one had the tracks that have allowed him in for free or discounted. A few Illinois tracks do a discount for kids in the pits which is great, one Indiana track graciously has allowed him in free while he is a baby, and another Indiana dirt track will not even allow him in, so we obviously don't go there unless it's USAC. Every where else for Jerry, Cale, and I just to walk through the gate for Jerry to race we must pay between $75 and $90. With another one on the way we have realized this job that used to be so family oriented will no longer be. Paying $120 a night for Jerry to do his job that we live off of is making less and less sense. It sucks, but that's how the majority of race tracks are. Like I said, we've had to buy Cale pitpasses since he was just a couple months old, and at that age, i assure you he didn't get $30 worth of enjoyment from the actual races, but he did get it out of being able to travel as a family and us all being together.

I should add, I do find all these tracks kid friendly and to all the ones that allow my son to even be in the pits THANK YOU! :)

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

I am sorry to hear that and it's the best race of the year! At Bloomington!

See ya at LPS!

Danny 24

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Insurance liability. What if something happens to her in the pits? Shes not covered

Usally all you do is sign a wavier for the kid,what a crock
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Ive never seen a track NOT charge anyone to get in the pits. I am under the belief that everyone should pay to get into the pits due to the insurance.

I think tracks would make more money if they allowed kids in the pits free or at least half price. How many people go on the hill to watch instead of the pits because they don't want to pay full price for someone who is not even watching the race? Nothing against the Miles's or any other promoter. I dont know the legal aspects of it. jmo
Posted using Mobile Device

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Chris I do agree but she called before she went to the track and they said she would just have to sign the waiver she was not told about the $30 for her kid! So I understand why she is upset!

Danny 24

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

3 and under is free at Clay county speedway(with signed waiver)

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

There is no place for a baby stroller in a pit area! Babys in a motorhome, babys kept close to a hauler, ect... But babys being carried or in a stroller in a pit area is a bad bad bad idea!!

I know some people prefer to bring their kids to a racetrack and some may have to, but am I the only person who thinks racetracks are kinda loud for a baby. I do also think too many people are unnecessarily in the pits as it is. I understand they do make headsets for kids. When I was a kid I believe that only kids were allowed in the pits after the races were over. My home track is 14 or older until after the races. I understand you may be upset, but to swear off a racetrack seems kinda harsh.
Posted using Mobile Device

Good point :-)
Posted using Mobile Device

I also remember a video maybe posted on here or Facebook a few months ago of a winged sprint car landing in the pits and maybe hitting a parked car. It just barely missed some people, I know it was a rare fluke, but taking care of yourself would be hard enough nevermind a toddler.
Posted using Mobile Device

How do I get my son to my husbands hauler and/or the bathroom and/or the grandstands if I don't carry him? Let him run? I can assure you my child is well taken care of in the pits. I really don't need anyone on a message board to tell me that my kid has no place in the pits. Yes he always wears ear protection and yes he is always at my side. With two parents that grew up in race track pits safety is our number one concern. But with one parent who spends about 1/3 of all the nights in a year in race track pits, we will keep doing what we are doing to keep our family together as a family
Posted using Mobile Device

---------- Post added at 07:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 PM ----------

I saw a sprint car land on a picnic table near the concession stand at Lawrenceburg. My father and I had an entire wheel/tire fly over us in the main grandstands at Putnamville. I've had a bloody lip from a rock in grandstands. Use your head anywhere at a racetrack. We can't stop allowing people anywhere. And 12 year olds can strap into Jr. Focus midgets but shouldn't be allowed in the pits until 14?
Posted using Mobile Device

At the Bomber race earlier this year a tire came off a Hornet during hotlaps and flew past me in the pits at about 60mph. It hit a trailer and landed in the woods. That would easily kill someone. Pits really aren't a safe place for anyone, not just kids. You gotta stay alert at all times.
Posted using Mobile Device

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

It wasn't too long ago that women weren't allowed in the pits at all. I always say an extra prayer to the racing gods if I feel the need to enter the pits before the feature starts. I consider myself lucky they let me in at all. It's just not a place for kids, though. Sorry, we all know how racing can be a disruption to 'normal' family life. At least you've got a place where people understand how ya' feel in that respect!

I've seen enough in my time, and I'm not trying to discredit anyones parenting abilities. I also don't think we should live in a fearmongering world. I understand racing for a living is one thing, and that family bond is important and at times required. It's also why I think I like racing so much. I also imagine I was sitting in my moms arms at 17 months old in the stands. Those stands at times can be less safe then the pits.

But if you are just a fan driving 15-30 minutes to a track down the road, babies don't always need to be there. If they are allowing you to pay, either pay or sit in the stands.
Posted using Mobile Device

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

It's not a disruption to 'normal' family life. It's the only family life my family has ever known.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

You all are lucky because back when I raced back a few years ago no one under sixteen was allowed in the pits no matter what I had to sneak in. Why would anyone with small kids want to go in the pits anyway you can't see the races as good as in the grandstands.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

I see everyone's point!
But if the track says kids can come in they should The Parent is the only one who should decide what they do with their own children not me or you!
She will come back she is upset and should be!

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

When I was 18 I was finally allowed to get a pit pass for a USAC race. I took advantage of that. The next year USAC raised the age for a pit pass to 21. I was NOT a happy camper. LArry PAtton ruined USACs plans. He won a USAC Midget feature at age 19. :3:

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Pretty much new when I posted that it would be disliked by anyone with toddlers! Did not say that babys should not be in the pit area, some like racegirl keep then in a motorhome, or close to their hauler. The guy that wants to take shots on a message board at Judy Miles was wanting to take his baby around the pits and see his freinds? Still, anyone that is in an area with moving vehicles, fuel jugs, air tools, wreckers, semi trucks moving around, upset race drivers flying through a pit area, four wheelers, ect.. know they are taking a risk with their chidren.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Amy congrads on your baby how about a little girl as cute as Cale
Joyce

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

To echo some of what has already been said here, when I first started going to the races, families used to sit in the grand stands. Only competitors and team members (and officials) were allowed in the pits. White pants, too, along with age limits. I guess a lot of that changed when more and more drivers started using motor homes.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Try re-reading her post Danny and you'll see she was informed during the phone conversation of the $30 fee. :6:

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Sorry' I didn't catch that Part you are correct 100%! :6:

This part of what I said is right. The Parent is the ONLY person who should decide what they do with their own children NOT any of us! Like I said before I see everyone's point and Thoughts but if the track says kids can come in the pits then so be it!

Now Lets all enjoy our Saturday racing where every each of us decide's to attend! :8:

Danny24

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

http://www.noteboom.com/news/jury-aw...ay20090928.cfm

http://www.findapersonalinjuryattorn...-year-old.aspx

http://www.totalinjury.com/news/arti...-speedway.aspx

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

I went to Chillicothe OH last week for the Ohio Sprintweek for the first time, I took my 14 and 7 yr old. They had a awesome playground behind the grandstand for the kids to play on. This was awesome for my 7 yr old and other kids because the playground inside the track behind the grandstand was PACKED with kids havin a blast and coming and going to watch the races. I think its a great idea because we all know that kids arent going to sit and watch the races all night but also he could come and go as he pleased. Tracks need to do this more because it does get the young kids wanting to go to the races but they can also play with their friends. The more kids that you can get to the track the better for future race fans.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Sorry Danny , but I disagree completely. If the parents are the only ones to make the decision, and a child gets maimed or killed in the pits, they're not going to sue the track ? They're going to sue the pants off off it.

Sometimes what you want isn't going to be what you get, that's called life. Babies in the pits can be a bad combination. Blink once and the kid is halfway down the pits.

Now if the kid was allowed in the pits BEFORE the engines fired, and became the dangerous hub of activity it does, I wouldn't have a problem then.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

I am sorry if u don't agree with my comment on this.I like gas citys rule with u must be at least 14 to enter the pits.I have seen to much happen over the last several years.The latest being a mud cover coming off and hitting a person standing in the pits.The pit area is a busy place and things happen on the spur of the moment.This is not a place for young kids.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

If I own the race track and I don't want any part of a toddler being seriously hurt or killed in MY pits then, "I" will make that decision for those parents!!!! Pushing a baby around the pits in a stroller is insane!! I guarantee you as soon as something happens to that baby in the pits, the parents lawyers will be in contact with the speedway management pronto!!...you can go to the bank on that!!! In this case, I am of the opinion that Bloomington IS "kid friendly" by discouraging parents from taking children into the pits by charging full price. It is the parents who want to expose their baby to those dangers that are NOT kid friendly...

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

I like kids, it's those damned little stroller tires that piss me off....tire rule for strollers? You bet.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

BS!!

Why sign a waiver then, if it's for INS?

What a scam race tracks have been running for years. Sign a waiver saying you realise the risks, and we are not responsible if you get hurt, but, oh wait, you pay more than the fans in the stands, because the INS for you is more expensive. Total BS!!


Now then, I also grew up in the 'Must be 16 to enter the pits rule'. And yes, I was snuck in a few times, and I lied about my age a few times. But when I was racing...starting at age 5, I was allowed in the pits at the kart tracks........

However, many a night, I sat in the stands with mom until after the races, then I could go down and see dad, and talk to my racing heros, sit in their cars, etc.

I also agree, that pit areas don't need a bunch of 'fans' wandering around. Especially pushing strollers, carrying babies, or whatever.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

well i have been going to sprintcar races for 40 some years now and have raced them for 21 years. and it has always been that way. its no surprise if you read most track websites it will tell u right on the website that the pits is a restricted area and evryone entering the pit will pay full admission.to begin with the pits in my opinion is no place for a 17 month old child anyway. for instance if you read the schedule at paragon website on the bottom of the page it spells this out for you.but this is just my opinion and i guess everyone is entitled to they're own.but it has been this way for all my years of racing and i really don't think they are going to change the rules for one person now.:15:

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

The link provided above states that the waiver didn't apply in the Texas case in question. It's like a lotta' other things, if you buy the right lawyer you can get around most anything you put your signature on and when someones kid is involved the parents usually buy the right lawyer, which is understandable but you still need to protect yourself as much as is possible. I say if these track owners and promoters want to expose themselves to the kind of liability that comes with having children in their pits then go right ahead. I surely wouldn't allow it and the parents could get as mad as they want to but that 15, 20 or 30 dollars you get for a child to come into a pit area may cost you your track, your house, your racecar or anything else they can put a lien on. It isn't worth it! It's hard enough to make a living owning and promoting racetracks and races without exposing yourself to unnecessary liability.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

RACING IS A FAMILY SPORT . Most tracks in USA allow kids .Normally 1/2 price or free up to 12 .With signed waiver . Here is a USAC Champion's wife being drilled for stating her opinon on her family only.
Your being VERY UNFAIR TO HER.
Kids need to be with thier parents .Not at a babysitters........

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Different State different waiver! Lawyers help tracks with that the waivers are to protect them from getting sued! Some Lawyers are not as good as others we all know that!
The Tracks now let kids in the pits so take it up with them and quit throwing Her and other Parents under the bus for it.
She has been around racing all her life same as me I use to go to all the tracks after I got injured in my Wheelchair before I got racing again we are aware of the risks and when the cars are coming in the pits we know to move to the side to be safe as can be nothing anywhere is 100% safe not even the Stands, Actually more people get hurt in the stands from Dirt clogs and other debri from the cars! Do you sign a waiver to sit in the stands no! I understand little kids running around is not a good thing and they shouldn't be but a kid that can be carried around or confined to a stroller is a lot different! Yes the Stroller tires are to small and harder to push in the dirt but if your in a hurry pulling it backwards they roll faster and easier if that's needed to be! Just my 2 cents here and I know many that agree just won't speak out because they don't want to hear all your negativity about them!

Danny 24

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

Did you go with your dad to work when you were a kid? Kids are allowed free or at greatly reduced rates into the stands, there is just NO PLACE for little kids in a pit area. It is a very dangerous place. Why for a few hours she can't sit in the stands while her husband does his job is beyond me. If he worked in a factory or office you wouldn't be able to do that. And most dad's have jobs that take them away for up to half a day and the family stays together.... Should be thankful of the fact they get to travel with him to work and watch him work. Don't worry tho, as soon as a kid gets killed the insurance companies will make the choice for you....... Kids don't need to be with a parent if that parent is at work and in a dangerous location....... we're not being unfair to anyone, we're being honest with our thoughts and feelings just like she was.....

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

It's fine with me either way. I'm not going to get sued regardless of what happens in the pits of any given racetrack. I don't own a racetrack and at this time I don't promote any races and I very seldom have time after a race is over to even venture into the pits. If these track owners and promoters want to expose themselves to the degree of liability that comes with young children in their pit are, which by the way, comprises a very small percentage of pit pass sales, then fine by me. I mean no disrespect to any parent, just stating one point of view. There obviously are places that aren't conducive to babies and small children to be present and an active pit area is one of them. After the races are completed and everything has settled down in the pit area is another matter altogether.

Re: Bloomington Speedway is not kid friendly
 

If your racing for a living thats great, but if your husband worked in an office would you feel obligated to go visit him while he performs his day to day tasks? If this is the family's livelyhood at stake wouldnt the racer/father be able to better perform on track without the distraction of a child in pits? I can understand supporting a loved one in what they do. However if this is veiwed as a job that brings stability to the familys economic foundation then there is zero need for added chaos, and increased risk to a nights work i.e. racing.
IMHO

Greg Miller